Healthcare. Politics. Family.

Tools to Aid the Radiology Workflow

Published on the March 17, 2016 DiagnosticImaging.com web site

By Whitney L.J. Howell

Radiology, historically, has been the medical specialty leading the edge of technological advancement. It abandoned a paper-based work system first. Its machines are the most advanced. And, the tests available for patient diagnosis have grown dramatically within the past 30 years.

Consequently, it’s no surprise that the industry is ahead of the curve with new tools designed to improve workflow, bolster patient care, and streamline performance. In some cases, adoption has been slow, but interest is growing, putting radiology on the fast-track, once again.

Benefits and Challenges
But, having new ways to implement diagnostic and workflow changes impacting every day practice provides benefits and offers challenges.

Overall, according to Staten Island University Hospital’s Director of Radiology Informatics David Hirschorn, MD, these tools make image capture and manipulation easier, prompting greater clinical success. Garnered data can be used to draft more accurate and actionable reports. Simultaneously, clinical reports can be standardized, meaning they are readable and functional in almost every facility.

Who am I?

I’m a seasoned reporter, writer, freelancer and public relations specialist with a master’s degree in international print journalism from The American University in Washington, D.C.

I launched my journalism career as a stringer for UPI on Sept. 11, 2001, on Capitol Hill. That day led to a two-year stint as a daily political reporter in Montgomery County, Md. As a staff writer for the Association of American Medical Colleges, a public relations specialist for the Duke University Medical Center and the public relations director for the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing, I’ve earned in-depth experience in covering health care, including academic medicine, health care reform, women’s health, pediatrics, radiology, and Medicare.